A Global History of Humanity

Studying and Periodizing Human History

Studying human history involves reconstructing the record of humankind from early hominin evolution to the present. Researchers combine evidence from history, archaeology, anthropology, linguistics, and genetics to understand biological evolution, migration, technology, social organization, belief systems, economic change, and interactions among societies. Major developments include the evolution of Homo in Africa, the spread of Homo sapiens across the world, the Neolithic transition to agriculture and settled life, and the emergence of cities, writing, states, and civilizations. To make this vast subject accessible, scholars use periodization, dividing history into broad periods based on significant technological, social, political, cultural, or economic changes. Common divisions include prehistory, the ancient period, the post-classical period, the early modern period, and the modern period. These boundaries are approximate and vary across regions: the Neolithic Revolution began at different times, civilizations developed independently, and changes such as industrialization and globalization did not occur simultaneously everywhere. Periodization is therefore a useful framework rather than a single, universally applicable chronology.

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Human Origins and Evolution in Africa

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